10 Last-minute Weekend Trip Essentials at Amazon

As I’ve gotten older, it’s become increasingly difficult to align my own calendar with those of my friends, making it so last-minute getaways and spontaneous moments of stolen time have become more of the norm over planned trips — especially during the summer. So, following a quick conversation this week, a spur-of-the-moment girls trip came to fruition. After purchasing four round-trip Greyhound bus tickets, we were nearly ready to go.

Due to the last-minute nature of this trip, I quickly realized that there were some items missing from my travel arsenal that may be essential for my upcoming coastal Massachusetts outing, so, I turned to my favorite trusty retailer: Amazon. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 items I’m adding to my shopping cart before I hop on the bus next weekend. From a portable charger to a good pair of comfortable walking shoes, I feel more confident than ever that I’m prepared for whatever may come. Everything costs less than $50, and best of all, they’ll hardly take up any space in my luggage.

Sabani Portable Charger With Built-in Cables

A portable charger with built-in cables is at the top of my last-minute shopping list since I’m gearing up for a five-hour Greyhound ride and I don’t want to rely on finding a charging port on the bus to keep my phone on the grid during the trip. This high-powered device has four different cables on it, each offering the ability to rapidly charge my iPhone, e-reader, and noise-canceling headphones at the same time. A screen at the front shows exactly how much battery each device has available, and despite all its power, it’s still slim enough to slip into my bag without taking up too much space.

Rocket Dog Women’s Cheery Plush Foam Sneakers

White sneakers are one of the most versatile fashion items to pack on any trip, and since I recently walked a hole into the interior of my old Nike Air Force 1’s, it was time to snag a new pair of sneakers ahead of my trip. I was instantly drawn to this classic canvas option from Rocket Dog that features plush insoles. Shoppers say they cradle feet with every step, alleviating leg pain and discomfort so I can end the trip feeling rejuvenated. They’re even made with a slight platform, so I won’t be left walking on the hems of my favorite maxi dresses. 

Repel Umbrella 

The weather has been undeniably unpredictable over the last several weeks. With rain storms popping up seemingly out of nowhere, I’m tired of being caught unprepared without an umbrella. This portable, best-selling umbrella has more than earned its spot in my suitcase because the portable design will easily fit into the side pocket of my backpack or purse when I’m out and about without feeling bulky. It’s made with a sturdy fiberglass frame that shouldn’t flip inside-out when faced with high winds.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Sunscreen has become an integral part of my everyday beauty routine, and since I’ll be spending time at the beach next weekend, I needed to stock up on my all-time favorite: Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. This lightweight sunscreen has an SPF of 40 that applies completely sheer, doing away with a white cast once and for all. The lightly-scented product is my favorite face makeup in the summer, and it also works as an excellent primer for my other makeup thanks to the formula’s gentle grip. This compact size is also perfect for a weekend getaway.

Blooming Jelly Sleeveless Summer Dress

Lately, one thing I’ve been working on is learning to pack more minimalistically. I’ve found that an easy way to do this is by finding pieces that play multiple roles throughout my trip. I’m scooping up this casual beach cover up before my weekend getaway as it will carry me from the beach to dinner in style, all while maintaining the comfort that I require in my travel wardrobe. The pom pom polka dots may be my favorite detail, but I’m also drawn to the two side pockets that are conveniently deep enough to hold my phone and keys. 

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 25L Cinch Tote

Since my plans for the weekend range from spending time at the beach to shopping around town, I want to be prepared with a packable tote bag that can do it all. This handy bag from Eddie Bauer is from the brand’s Stowaway collection, so it conveniently comes with a smaller, cinchable tote that the primary bag can be folded into when I’m not using it. It features a deep side pocket that can hold my water bottle or umbrella, and the top closes with an adjustable cord lock system, so even if I get caught in a deluge, I can trust my belongings should remain safe and dry. It’s even designed with a water-repellent exterior that’s practically made for a weekend in a beach town.

Camkory Digital Camera

After one of my friends packed a digital camera to snap pictures during a recent park picnic, I knew I also needed to snag one to capture memories of this upcoming girl’s weekend. Luckily, this baby pink camera is now on sale for just $50 at Amazon, and the simple point-and-shoot system and long battery life will be much-appreciated when sorting through images at the end of the trip. It’s small enough to fit into any of my favorite purses, seems easy to use, and generates clear, high-quality images without breaking the bank.

Morfone 16-pack Toiletry Bottles

It would be a gamble to assume that my lodgings will come stocked with all the toiletries needed for a weekend away, so, once and for all, I’m doing away with that stress by picking up these leak-proof rubber bottles from Amazon ahead of my trip. This set of 16 is now on sale for an incredible 41 percent off, bringing the price down to a mere $10, and includes everything from a spray bottle to smaller vials and jars for lotion, face wash, and more. Since it’s all reusable, I’m confident I’ll break this set out again when I travel to Norway next month and have to downsize my liquids to get through TSA.

BolaButty Bluetooth Speaker

If there’s one thing I always forget to pack for a day at the beach, it’s a speaker. A good playlist can really set the mood for the day, and since I’m fairly sure none of my other friends have thought of it, I’m adding this waterproof Bluetooth speaker to my last-minute Amazon shopping list while it’s on sale for just $23 thanks to a special on-site coupon. The battery boasts up to 24 hours of playtime so I can leave the charger at home, and I won’t have to worry about it getting wet at the beach; it’s waterproof, after all. Since it’s earned more than 8,300 five-star ratings from happy shoppers, I feel confident with my choice.

Airplane Pockets Tray Table Cover

I’ll be sitting on a Greyhound bus for a number of hours during the journey to and from my Massachusetts getaway, so I want to keep my things organized to limit the amount of contact my belongings have with germy bus seats. This tray table cover may be intended for airplanes, but it also works perfectly for other methods of public transportation. I can store my headphones, book, knitting materials, and phone all in one place without everything overflowing from my bag. Not only does it offer more pocket space than a normal seat, this handy device also covers the tray table to create a clean and mess-free space. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.